Ex-NBA Draft bust Ben McLemore arraigned on first-degree rape, other sex crimes
Ben McLemore, a former NBA lottery pick, was arraigned on Wednesday in Clackamas County Circuit Court in Oregon on four sex charges.
Among the charges that he’s facing include first-degree rape and first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, which are both A-level felonies with a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.
The two other charges — C-level felonies that come with a maximum sentence of five years in prison — are two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.
Ben McLemore at the 2013 draft. NBAE/Getty Images
He is due back in court on July 1 at 10 a.m.
McLemore was arrested on Tuesday on an outstanding felony warrant related to the charges at Portland International Airport by the U.S. Marshals Service after he had landed around noon local time.
The allegations of sexual assault stem from an incident that occurred in the City of Lake Oswego on Oct. 3, 2021, according to a news release by police.
The victim reported that the alleged assault took place at a house in the 1200 block of Cherry Lane in Lake Oswego.
McLemore was a member of the Trail Blazers at the time of the alleged assault.
“Mr. McLemore moved out of state during the investigation and frequently traveled overseas for his employment, resulting in delays in the investigation, while detectives continued to gather evidence,” police said in a statement.
Ben McLemore #23 of the Sacramento Kings slams the ball during the third quarter in 2015. Paul J. Bereswill
A grand jury handed down an indictment and an arrest warrant was issued in February after hearing testimony from the victim and evidence in the case was presented.
“We applaud the courage of the survivor to come forward and put herself through this arduous process, and we will continue to support her in any way we can,” police said.
The 31-year-old former NBA player hasn’t been in the league since 2022, when he played 64 games that season for the Trail Blazers.
Ben McLemore with the Houston Rockets in 2021. NBAE via Getty Images
McLemore was selected seventh overall by the Kings in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Kansas.
He spent four years with Sacramento before playing with the Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers and Trail Blazers.
